At least two horses have died, and the vet who handled them is currently in hospital fighting for his life. As of yesterday he was still on life support. Three
other workers from the horse stud remain in hospital for observation as a precaution.
The virus was first discovered in 1994 when a prominent racehorse trainer, as well as 14 of his horses, died from the (then mysterious) virus. The virus had not been reported anywhere else in the world.
Of the 11 equine outbreaks in Australia, four have led to human infection, with three of the six known human cases being fatal.
Scientists believe fruit bats are the natural 'host' of the virus, meaning the virus is carried by bats but has little effect on them. It is thought the virus may be transferred to horses through urine or feces in feed. 70 - 80% of horses that become infected will die and the remainder are destroyed to prevent the possible spread of the disease. 50% of people who become infected with HeV are at a grave risk of dying from the infection.
http://www.horsedeals.com...e720bf263487595a3b1bcaa5
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2500895.htm
The virus was first discovered in 1994 when a prominent racehorse trainer, as well as 14 of his horses, died from the (then mysterious) virus. The virus had not been reported anywhere else in the world.
Of the 11 equine outbreaks in Australia, four have led to human infection, with three of the six known human cases being fatal.
Scientists believe fruit bats are the natural 'host' of the virus, meaning the virus is carried by bats but has little effect on them. It is thought the virus may be transferred to horses through urine or feces in feed. 70 - 80% of horses that become infected will die and the remainder are destroyed to prevent the possible spread of the disease. 50% of people who become infected with HeV are at a grave risk of dying from the infection.
http://www.horsedeals.com...e720bf263487595a3b1bcaa5
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2500895.htm
